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Tiny Directional Robots Invade Lewis School

The K-5 Gifted students at Lewis School recently created tiny directional robots using an eccentric weighted pager motor from a cell phone to move the robot.

The students used common objects like the head of a toothbrush, a reclaimed pager motor, and a watch battery to create the tiny directional robots.

“The tiny robots zoom around and look a lot like real bugs, they spin, and skitter and bounce off walls,” said Bobbie Luna, Lewis School. “It was amazing to take ordinary materials and transform them into a little robot – our students were delighted.”

There are many ideas and test projects that the students are exploring including robot races, maze construction, customization of the bugs using wire for legs, feelers, and beady eyes. Some students even turned their robots into mini aircraft designs.

“The robot is quite unique because it is directional and not just a dancer,” said Luna. “It moves in many directions including forward and in circles depending on the angle of the legs or wire feelers.”

The students are experimenting with how to create an on and off switch and the many different applications and future uses for the robotic creatures.

“They look a lot like a Hexbug Nano, but they are much faster, more creative and a whole lot more fun,” said Luna.

As a result of the overwhelming student interest in robotics, Lewis School will be including the Lego Robotics program in their Gifted K-5 program which will extend and enhance student’s opportunities.

“The Lego connection to robotics will provide our students the opportunity to participate using a different approach to robotics,” said Luna.